A dedicated care manager from Denbighshire who has transformed the lives of adults with learning disabilities and autism\u00a0 is in the running for a major award.<\/p>\n
Michael Rawlins, 35, who leads the team at Oak Residential Home in Llandyrnog, near Denbigh, is a finalist at this year\u2019s prestigious Wales Care Awards, known as the social care Oscars.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s been shortlisted in the Outstanding Service Category, sponsored by the Caron Group.<\/p>\n
The event is being organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional\u00a0work of the unsung frontline heroes in the social care sector.<\/p>\n
The presentation ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, is being held at Cardiff\u2019s Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 17.<\/p>\n
Michael, who has been with Mental Health Care (MHC) Ltd since 2010, was nominated for his \u201cunwavering dedication\u201d in supporting both his team and the residents of Oak, a specialist home designed to help adults with complex needs live fulfilling, independent lives.<\/p>\n
Despite the personal honour, Michael remains modest, crediting his 40-strong team for the nomination.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cNaturally I\u2019m pleased, but this is a recognition of our hard work as a team. Everyone here is amazing \u2013 they give their all, every single day, to make a difference to the people who live at Oak.\u201d<\/p>\n
Oak provides a sensory-friendly, supportive environment for eight residents, each with highly individualised care plans.<\/p>\n
Since Michael took the helm in 2023, three long-term residents have successfully progressed to more independent living \u2013 something he sees as a major achievement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what it\u2019s all about \u2013 helping people build skills, grow in confidence and, when they\u2019re ready, take that next step. It\u2019s incredibly rewarding,\u201d Michael added.<\/p>\n
Oak was given a glowing review by Care Inspectorate Wales last year, praising the home’s focus on communication, choice, and empowerment.<\/p>\n
The report highlighted how \u201cpeople\u2019s quality of life has been enriched,\u201d echoing Michael\u2019s own commitment to a person-centred, goal-driven approach.<\/p>\n
Outside of work, Michael\u2019s commitment doesn\u2019t stop. He\u2019s a hands-on dad to two young children and still finds time to support his brother on the family\u2019s sheep farm in Henllan.<\/p>\n
Shaun Jones, Director of Operations at MHC, said: \u201cMichael has transformed the lives of individuals in his care by delivering outcomes that are both meaningful and achievable. He\u2019s also enhanced the living space, ensuring all sensory needs are met.\u201d<\/p>\n
MHC Managing Director Seona Weir, who nominated him, added: \u201cMichael is the embodiment of what we aim for in social care \u2013 compassion, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to improving lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: \u201cCare Forum Wales has been working tirelessly for more than 30 years to promote the social care sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe established the Wales Care Awards to show our appreciation to the workforce and the wider sector for the remarkable and vitally important contribution everybody makes, day in day out.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event\u00a0 underlines the importance of the social care sector. It is the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur mission is to be the voice of social care in Wales to advocate on the sector\u2019s behalf, holding truth to power in order to secure a fair deal to recognise the dedication of our front line heroes and heroines across our nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t value the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single one of our finalists is a winner and will be presented with a gold, silver or bronze award.\u201d<\/p>\n